Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast

S3 E5: "Ah, Love! (Part 1)" – August 30, 2023

Hosted by Maggie Bowles & Ryan Tillotson (Straw Hut Media)

Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners behind the scenes of Season 3, Episode 5 ("Ah, Love!") of Only Murders in the Building, with hosts Maggie Bowles and Ryan Tillotson. They are joined by showrunner/co-creator John Hoffman, episode director Chris Koch, and director of photography Kyle Wolschlager. Key topics include the blossoming romance between Oliver and Loretta, the production challenges of filming on a ferry, and deep dives into music, on-set chemistry, and the season’s multiple love stories. The episode is filled with playful banter, technical insights, and loving celebration of the show’s craft.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap & Primary Plot Threads

(01:02 – 02:43)

• Episode 5 Recap: Joy and Charles face growing relationship troubles, highlighted by the mysterious lipstick incident and an awkward conversation about commitment.
• Saz (Jane Lynch) returns and is now "dating" Jan in prison ("sexy glass").
• Oliver and Loretta embark on a first date filled with mishaps—her overcooked pork chop knocks out his tooth, and she has a suspiciously strong dislike for Ben, calling him a "fucking pig".
• Mabel and Tobert stake out Jonathan at a jazz club, observing a suspicious exchange with Ben’s doctor.
• The date moves to a ferry ("The Tooth Fairy"), culminating in a romantic but complicated evening. Oliver discovers Loretta’s scrapbook of Ben Glenroy clippings—raising new suspicions.

2. Oliver and Loretta’s Late-Blooming Romance

(03:11 – 05:10)

• John Hoffman discusses how Oliver’s romance with Loretta is unexpectedly transformative, providing Martin Short and Meryl Streep an opportunity to portray “a tingling sort of late-blooming romance.”

• Notable Quote — John Hoffman (03:13):

  “I think in some ways he's not prepared or expecting or thinking in any way that he's going to have a romantic possibility for himself at this age. ... That arresting moment in episode one where he spots her and they have this instant connection … it has so many meanings for him.”

• Meryl Streep was deeply appreciative of portraying a real, age-appropriate romance:

  "It's the romance—people at this age—that's not twee, that's not about their age, that ... makes perfect sense. And being able to tell that in a funny and sweet real way is what was exciting." — John Hoffman recalling Meryl Streep (04:21)

3. The Ferry Scene—Production Magic and On-Set Chemistry

(13:14 – 16:20, 17:58 – 22:19)

• Director Chris Koch and DP Kyle Wolschlager break down the challenging logistics of filming the pivotal ferry scene:

  • Initial considerations included using green screen or modern LED video walls, which were rejected for a more authentic feel.
  • The production lucked out with a rare, warm, and calm February night on the Hudson.

    “The captain, who has been doing it for 40 years, said, ‘I've never had a night this calm on the Hudson River. ... It was a magical night.’” — Chris Koch (14:23)

  • The on-boat chemistry between Short and Streep was “effortless.”
  • Memorable moment post-shoot:

    “Meryl looks out and starts singing ‘New York, New York.’ And then Marty joins in.” — Chris Koch (15:53)

• Technical details from Kyle:

  • The crew utilized a Technocrane to capture intimate, cinematic shots.
  • Shooting on location allowed for genuine atmosphere, particularly the glistening of the river, which could not be replicated on a stage.
  • The scene was shot between 6pm and 2am, with the crew and cast braving the elements for authenticity.

  • “We just felt coming back into shore that night like we had won the lottery because we lucked out so well on everything and ended up with this really beautiful set of scenes there on the boat.” — Kyle Wolschlager (20:38)

4. Layered Love Stories

(24:42 – 25:56)

• Koch discusses the episode’s exploration of three distinct romantic storylines:
  • Charles and Joy: A relationship with growing tension and possible dissolution.
  • Oliver and Loretta: An unexpected, mature romance.
  • Mabel and Tobert: Young, passionate chemistry.
• On the intimate Mabel scene:

  “The biggest step, emotional kind of reveal for her is to reveal the murder board ... That's her letting him in.” — Chris Koch (25:39)

5. Character Insights, Improv, and Set Design

(26:40 – 30:09)

• Jane Lynch’s Saz: Described as a "goofy delight" by director Koch, with plenty of energy and improvisation.
• The "commit or be committed" game show scene involved clever lighting and set dressing for comedic effect.
• Meryl Streep provided input on Loretta’s apartment set, ensuring everything fit her character’s backstory and status:

  “She's just so lovely about it. She’s like, ‘Oh, I love that chair. But I don't think that my character would have afforded this or that.’ ... She was so attuned to what that character ... little details.” — Chris Koch (29:34)

6. Crafting Suspicion and Keeping the Mystery Alive

(05:27 – 07:02, 23:41 – 24:38)

• Reflecting on the show’s narrative twists, Hoffman hints at more surprises to come:

  “There are several coming with those kinds of twists. ... We have to ask ourselves 19 questions about every possibility—what do you buy, what do you not buy?” (06:15)

• Directors are often left in the dark about the killer’s identity to focus them on characters’ emotional journeys:

  “I didn't want to know who the murderer was. ... Primarily because I want to watch it and I want to enjoy it.” — Chris Koch (23:41)

7. Music and Technical Process

(09:52 – 12:21)

• Koch praises series composer Siddhartha Khosla’s score as "exquisite" and shares how music influences the show’s overall tone and his directing choices.
• The editing process often starts with episodes running several minutes over, which allows the creative team more freedom to sculpt the final product.

8. Thematic Reflections & Notable Quotes

• On the season's recurring theme of love and second chances, especially at unexpected times in life.
• Several lighthearted, meta moments and playful ribbing among guests and hosts—true to the show’s comedic spirit.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Unexpected Romance:
  “It's the romance—people at this age—that's not twee, that's not about their age, that ... makes perfect sense.” — Meryl Streep (via John Hoffman, 04:21)

• On Authentic Production:
  “We wanted to do it practically ... the captain, who has been doing it for 40 years, said, ‘I’ve never had a night this calm on the Hudson River.’” — Chris Koch (14:23)

• On the Magic of the Cast:
  “Meryl looks out and starts singing ‘New York, New York.’ And then Marty joins in. ... How do I just, like, remember this moment?” — Chris Koch (15:53)

• On Directing Without Knowing the Killer:
  “I didn't want to know who the murderer was ... because I want to watch it and I want to enjoy it.” — Chris Koch (23:41)

• On Craft and Collaboration:
  “Everyone we’ve had the privilege to speak to has expressed their own support for SAG and WGA too, including Chris Koch, director of episode five.” — Maggie Bowles (08:11)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:02 – 02:43 | Episode 5 recap and main storylines
• 03:11 – 05:10 | John Hoffman on Oliver & Loretta’s romance
• 13:14 – 16:20 | Chris Koch details ferry shoot; on-set chemistry
• 17:58 – 22:19 | Kyle Wolschlager on technical side of ferry scene
• 24:42 – 25:56 | Koch discusses three romantic storylines
• 26:40 – 30:09 | Insights on Jane Lynch, improv, and set design
• 09:52 – 12:21 | Music’s importance and technical process
• 05:27 – 07:02 | John Hoffman on show’s twists, writing process
• 23:41 – 24:38 | Keeping the director ‘in the dark’ about the killer

Flow & Tone

The episode maintains a witty, warm, and insightful tone, mirroring the spirit of the show itself. Conversations oscillate between lighthearted banter (including faux-theater confessions and inside jokes) and earnest admiration for cast, crew, and creative process. There’s an emphasis on authenticity—both in character relationships and production craft—and a deep respect for every department’s contribution. The podcast mixes technical details with heartfelt storytelling, making it a rich experience for listeners whether or not they’ve watched the show.

For Next Time

• Upcoming part two includes a conversation with costume designer Dana Covarrubias and a fan theory discussion ("Accusations Station").
  “Her favorite item of Loretta’s wardrobe was in this episode and you’ll find out what it is.” (31:49)

This summary covers all essential creative and production-related discussions and moments from "Ah, Love! (Part 1)," offering new and returning fans an engaging deep-dive into the making of Season 3, Episode 5.